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Hunstanton RNLI hovercraft launched to reports of child in danger

Lifeboats News Release

A Norfolk lifeboat station launched its hovercraft to reports of a child in the water.

RNLI/Chris Bishop

RNLI hovercraft Hunstanton Flyer
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Volunteers at Hunstanton RNLI were paged at 2.30pm on Saturday, 20 December.

Hovercraft Hunstanton Flier was on her way within 10 minutes, with three crew on board.

They made their way south along the shoreline to Heacham North Beach, where on arrival, the crew were told the child was now safe.

The hovercraft returned to station at 3pm to be washed down, checked and refuelled before being rehoused ready for her next service.

Volunteers at Hunstanton will be on-call throughout Christmas and the New Year, like those at more than 200 RNLI lifeboat stations around the coast of the UK and Ireland.

The charity's lifeboats launch on average more than 100 times over the course of each festive period, responding to 119 'shouts' in 2024.

These rescues and others throughout the year are only made possible by the donations which help to fund the essential kit and training needed to keep crews prepared and equipped to save lives.

To make a donation to the RNLI’s Christmas Appeal and enable the charity to continue its lifesaving work into next year and beyond, go online to RNLI.org/WinterAppeal.


Editor's Notes

Hunstanton lifeboat station operates the fast inshore lifeboat Spirit of West Norfolk and the search and rescue hovercraft Hunstanton Flyer.

Their lifesaving work would not be possible without the kindness of those who donate to the charity that saves lives at sea.

RNLI Image

Picture attached of RNLI hovercraft Hunstanton Flyer.

Please note credit: RNLI/Chris Bishop

RNLI Media Contacts

For more information call Chris Bishop, Hunstanton RNLI volunteer Deputy Lifeboat Press Officer on 07584 147219 or the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,700 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.

About the author

Chris Bishop
Deputy Lifeboat Press Officer, Hunstanton

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